Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Vi lay back, ringlets of thick pink hair spread out beside her. She turned over, burying her ears in her pillow as best she could. The air was stale in her pillow, so she eventually had to come up for air- only to be once again blasted by the ridiculous noise that flooded in from her living room.

Her living room. Yet, somehow, she had once again agreed to let her girlfriend use the space for recording. Recording what? Vi wasn’t sure, even after years of being together. The noise consisted of varying yelps, bangs on a drum, the shaking of rice, and other ear shatteringly loud additions.

The redhead rose to her feet, dragging a calloused hand down her face in an attempt to wipe away the evidence of her (so far) sleepless night.
“Sarah!” She called, pushing the bedroom door open. That was her first regret, as she was immediately bombarded with an increase in volume that made her head spin.
No answer.
Vi tried again- “Sarah! Turn off the..” she trailed off. “Music!”. Still, nothing.
Letting out a deep groan of frustration, Vi marched into the living room, and slammed one hand down on the kitchen table- where Sarah sat, facing away, recording her ballistic nonsense.
This, at last, elicited a reaction from the auburn haired pirate.

“Mmmh? Vi, what could possibly be so important that you ruin my recording?” Sarah drawled, her pupils unfocused as she waved one hand in the air. She reached to turn the ‘music’ off, and missed. She tried again. On the third time, the noise finally stopped.

“Babe, I’m trying to sleep. Can you stop with all this-” Vi hesitated. “-stuff?”
This did not go down well with Sarah- she rose to her full height, three inches taller than Vi. However, upon standing up, she proceeded to wobble precariously on her heels, and fall- right into the nearest couch. Normally, Vi would’ve laughed. But she didn’t find it very funny that Sarah was drunk. Again.

“Are you seriously drunk right now? I swear to God, Sarah!”
This elicited a frustrated mumble from the pirate.
“You let me use the rooooom.. M’gonna use the room!”
Vi growled in annoyance. She hated seeing her lover drunk- or anyone. It was all too similar to being high; and, well, Vi hated the thought of that.

“Sarah, I’m taking you home. I have work tomorrow, and I’m not dealing with you throwing up in my kitchen, and making a racket like this.”

Sarah seemed to wake up a little more at the sound of that, but only enough to pout and whine.

“Baby, you knowI’m scared of Uber drivers! You’re so fucking heartless! Always throwing me out- do you even love me?”
Vi grimaced, dragging her calloused hand across her face in frustration.
“You know I love you, baby. But it’s time for you to grow up.”
Sarah glared, and threw the nearest bottle of beer in the direction of Vi’s head.

Smash, goes Vi’s relationship. But she’ll try to put it back together, as always.

Chapter Text

If Caitlyn Kiramman passed you on the street, you would know.

Regardless of whether you could name her or not, whether you walked beside her or slightly behind, you just knew.

Caitlyn Kiramman was a woman whose presence was felt.

On this particular morning, the Kiramman heiress walked with the intent to battle. As Piltover’s arguably most renowned barrister, and the daughter of a councilor, Caitlyn was always the picture of determination.

After all, there was nothing more rewarding in her mind than helping people wage wars that the average citizen could never understand.
In Caitlyn’s mind, the court was a sanctuary- a bloodhound raised on the scent of injustice, and a dance where each step risked everything.

Caitlyn Kiramman loved nothing more than the thrill of guiding wrongdoers to their ends.

And today, as she ventured beyond the gleaming walls of Piltover, her eyes of the clearest azure were set with a silent anticipation.

**

The apartment Caitlyn parked by was nothing special. Not at all alike to the weathered, beaten down tales of Zaun’s residencies; but also too simple to fit within the city of progress.

The building wasn’t particularly tall, nor special in width- but upon further inspection, it appeared to stretch onwards in length.

Cheaper construction, noted Caitlyn.

Mundane in colour and size, nothing about this lonely dwelling stood out to the common eye.

But in the brief moments between Caitlyn’s short, unobtrusive knock, and the silent opening of the apartment’s pale wooden door, royal blue eyes had already admitted 23 details regarding who might occupy the residence to her mental case file.

“I’m guessing you’re the detective?”
Came a relieved male voice, average in tone but unmistakably open- as most Zaunite accents were.
The voice belonged to a dark skinned man of medium stature- about a head shorter than Caitlyn.
His expression was almost hopeful; a fact the woman committed to memory.

Caitlyn extended her hand, stepping back slightly to maintain a reasonable distance.

“Lawyer, actually. Caitlyn. And you are?”
She replied, grimacing internally at the memory of her mother’s voice- Always state your surname, Caitlyn. Never forget your pride.

Nonetheless, her ignorance appeared to go unnoticed, as a surprisingly large hand gripped her own, offering a rudimentary handshake.

“Ekko. Powder’s husband, if that gets the cogs running.” Reported the man- Ekko.

Caitlyn’s lips twitched upwards in a smile at the casual phrasing Ekko seemed to favor, internally grateful.

She was already buried up to her neck in clients who reeked of etiquette; and therein expected a Kiramman to return their archaic sentiment.

“Thank you. The young lady is home, I trust?”
From her eye level almost a foot above Ekko’s head, Caitlyn could peer into the extensive hallway that lead outward from the front door.

Her calculating gaze swept the visible space, curious. The examination didn’t last long—

A flash of blue hair sped towards the conversation at breakneck pace. Sliding on socks, Caitlyn realized with a chuckle.
The girl barely halted her motion before she would’ve collided with Ekko, who seemed entirely unfazed as his face broke into a grin.

“PRESENT!”
Sang Powder, the face Caitlyn remembered as her client.

The indigo haired woman smiled politely, gesturing into the apartment.

“I can see that. Shall we begin?”

**

“So, lady- what do you do? Do we just tell you about the fucker and you go be badass at them?” As Powder spoke, her lithe fingers tinkering with some sort of combination of springs and screws.

Internally, Caitlyn sighed.

If only her clients would have the decency to at least research what a hired lawyer does, before arranging a meeting.

“I suppose that’s a simple version of it. You provide me with information, I collect what I can find, and I present the case in court.”
She paused, to ensure her words were being understood.

“Since this is a criminal accusation, I’ll also have to get in touch with the local detectives to help. Are we clear?”

“MA’AM YES MA’AM!” exclaimed Powder, momentarily pausing her fiddling.

She glanced sideways at Ekko, who was seated beside her, and gestured with a raise of the brows.

In response, Ekko slid a yellow paper folder across the table.

Where the fuck did that come from? Thought Caitlyn. Though, she was grateful for some semblance of organization.

She pried open the folder’s cover, easing the oddly compressed papers onto the surface in front of her.

“Could you take me through these papers? Individually, if possible,” Caitlyn stared down at the sheets, filtering through them with a critical gaze as she spoke.

**

Vi POV
As the first shimmering strings of daylight drifted above the horizon, Vi’s eyes blinked open.

Her stormy grey irises fluctuated in visibility, the wide, glossy expanses of her pupils adjusting to the growing light.

She gave a yawn, lips curling around her teeth, as a high pitched rumble stretched from her throat.

The rose haired girl’s peace was disturbed by the sound of retching, nearby.

Vi jumped to her feet, instinctively dashing towards the source of the sound.
.
To no surprise, it was Sarah- heaving, hunched over the toilet rim, bareback moist with a sheen of sweat.

Her hair was all over the place, including dangling into the expanse of the toilet bowl, mixing with the products of her night of overconsumption.

Vi swallowed down a heavy sigh, and took her usual place behind Sarah- carefully gathering her clumped up hair and holding it away from the line of fire.

After a silent, final round of ejecting pure toxicity-
(Did you know that alcohol is considered a social drug? Thought VI.)
Sarah had tired herself out, and retired to her partner’s room.

She didn’t bother to clean up, simply crawling under the well worn covers, and wiping her face on Vi’s most recently used sweater.

**

Vi picked up her phone the second Powder’s name flashed on it.
.
.
.
“You did WHAT!?”

Chapter Text

Vi paced her bedroom with all the urgency of a lost orphan (which she was) as Powder’s bubbly voice went on and on by her ear. The red head glanced out the door, briefly, checking if Sarah was still asleep—

Thank fuck, she was.

Turning her attention back to the phone call with Powder, Vi ran a calloused hand through her think pink locks, her jaw clenched tight.

“I’m gonna need you to summarise, Pow. What, exactly, did you do?”

Through the receiver, an audible sigh could be heard.
“Because this is life changing, I’m gonna give you a pass on your thick ass head not hearing what I’m saying.”

There was a pause. Vi considered just driving to Powder’s house so she would just say whatever shit she wanted to say, and Vi could get on with her day.

After all, there was no way Vi had heard her sister right the first time.

No way.

“Okay, fat hands. Listen up this time. Ekko and I hired a fancy ass Piltover lawyer slash detective, or whatever, to arrest your bitch ass leech of a girlfriend. You’re welcome!”

“…”

Vi could practically feel her hair turning grey every second she thought about her current predicament.

“Pow, I don’t know where you got the idea Sarah isn’t a good girlfriend, but you’re batshit crazy. You had no right to do this! Ugh, I-“ Vi exhaled harshly through her nose, fist clenching and uncleshing at her side. “give me the fucking lawyer’s number, so I can un-hire him myself.”

Vi massaged the ever present crease between her brows—it was completely un effective. Meanwhile, Powder’s giggling could be heard on the other end of the call.
“What the fuck is so funny, Pow?” Vi snapped, her patience running thin.

Powder snorted, taking what sounded like a deep breath.
“The lawyer is a woman. Now why would that matter, Pow Pow?” Powder chortled, badly imitating Vi- who was not pleased.

“Yeah. Why does that matter?”

“Because she’s hot, fat hands! Legs for miles—I betcha you’ll take one look and wanna climb’em—she’s exactly your type!” Powder giggled through the phone, her breath coming in short inhales.
“You like mean femmes, right? It would be good for you to have a mean femme who’s.. yknow.. only mean in bed. Not like that bitch Sarah.”

Vi sighed heavily, her voice exasperated.
“Powder. If you don’t cut this shit out right now, I swear to Janna—“

The number you have dialed is unavailable. The number you have dialed is unavailable. The number you have dialed—

“For FUCK’S SAKE, Powder. Blocked me? Really?”
Vi cursed under her breath and tossed her phone down onto her bed, where she had been resting, for once, before Powder called.

From the living room, the sound of bottles clanking against one another broke the momentary silence in Vi’s apartment.

“Shit-“ Vi whispered, grabbing her phone and gently easing her bedroom door open.

She walked as softly as possible down the hallway, her steps muffled by carpet. As she passed the main room, she quickened her pace, so to not be spotted by Sarah.

At last, Vi reached the kitchen. She reached for Sarah’s favourite glass (Vi’s favourite, for which Sarah stole it.) and filled it with orange juice, breathing a sigh of relief when Sarah didn’t seem to notice Vi’s actions.

The redhead plastered on her best comforting smile, and entered the living room, where Sarah was sprawled across the couch in a sea of empty bottles.

“Sarah, baby, are you awake?” Vi cooed, gripping the drink with both hands.

Sarah stirred slightly, raising her head to look in Vi’s direction. Her eyes were hooded, her gaze bleary and tired.
I bet she has a killer hangover, thought Vi.
As Sarah pushed herself up into a sit, Vi stepped closer, holding out the glass of orange juice.

Sarah, instead of taking the drink, reached for the nearest empty bottle, and hurled it at Vi.

Now, Vi was used to this, so dodging was no problem. The issue was calming Sarah down, which proved to be a foolhardy task every time.

“Bitch!” Sarah shrieked, her voice hoarse from overuse. “Why the fuck did you leave all of your bottles in here? Can’t you fucking clean? Why would you fucking drink so much?”

Vi let out an imperceptible sigh. So, that’s how it’s gonna be.

Stage One: Apologise
“I’m sorry, my love. I drank too much, you’re right. I should’ve cleaned up the bottles. Don’t worry, dear, I’ll get them out right now.”

Sarah mumbled something unintelligible, and rolled over, her deep maroon ringlets tangling even further.

Stage Two: Soothe

“You look tired, baby. Do you want orange juice?” Vi murmured, her voice low.
Sarah extended a loose hand, gesturing with two fingers. Vi hurried to her side, slipping the glass into her grasp.

Stage Three: Clean

Vi got to work collecting Sarah’s scattered bottles, tossing each into a leather bag she used to minimise the clanking noises. She wrinkled her nose at the stench of alcohol that wafted from the flasks, but pushed through, pacing the room.

By the time she reached the far end of the room, bottles became more sparse. Good, she thought. Her bag didn’t have much more space, anyway.

Turning back, she slunk through the hallways, opening the back door with utmost care to be silent.

She walked slowly and leisurely across the yard she shared with the other apartments, as if she had time to spare.

Sometimes it felt nice to imagine a better life.

As she strolled, the bag of bottles slung over her shoulder like deadweight, she thought to herself about what Powder and Ekko had done.

Could her sister have a point?

I mean, she loved Sarah, but it was exhausting trying to keep her around.

Vi pondered the ways she’d convinced Sarah to stay—and all the reminders she’d been given on the fact that she was replaceable.

Just fuck me again, Vi. You don’t even have a dick. I should just find a man to fuck me. Maybe he wouldn’t get tired.

Come on, Vi. It’s just a group photo, why are you so fussed about not being in it? You’re so dramatic. I should find a girlfriend who isn’t so clingy.

Vi, you’re not good enough. I could find someone better on Tinder.
Vi, you’re not good enough. I could find someone better.
Vi, you’re not good enough.
Vi—
Vi—

VI—

“Vi! Why are you taking so long? Are you fucking leaving?”
Sarah’s furious voice pierced through Vi’s thoughts, kickstarting her into action. She dumped the sack of bottles into her building’s glass recyclables bin, and sprinted back up to the apartment.

“Sorry, baby, I was just taking out the trash-“
Sarah slapped Vi across the face with the back of her hand, her long acrylic nails leaving angry marks on Vi’s cheek.
“Don’t lie to me. You were talking to the slut next door, weren’t you? What a whore. Just go make breakfast, and don’t talk to her again.”

Vi stared straight ahead, nodding stiffly. She could treat her face later, she’d had worse than a slap.

She’s just insecure, Vi. Her thoughts whispered.
It’s because she loves you, she wants you for herself.

You should be grateful she keeps you around.

You don’t deserve her love, thank her.

—-

After an hour of cooking, and a tense, silent breakfast, Vi finally managed to persuade Sarah into returning to her own house. And with the apartment delightfully empty, the opportunity presented itself to relax, and talk to the only person in the world who made her feel safe, no strings attached.

@Lesbianwithagun

– Morning shrek
– Wake up
– Wake up
– Wake up

11:07
@boxingdyke

Yesyesyesyesyes?? –
Im awake, srsly wtf did you need at 4am –
– Finally
– Anyw i just got assigned the WILDEST case for work
– Literally got it yesterday
– Already know this is gonna be a headache
Youll be fineeeeeeeeeeeee, ur literally the best lawyer i know –
– Aren’t i the *only* lawyer you know?
Well ye, but shit dont matter –
– FFS. Anyway
– My client wants me to arrest someone, i thought ok sure
– But the victim doesn’t know my client hired me
– I have to arrest someone without speaking to the victim
– HOW THE FUCK DO I DO THIS..!
welp. –
If anyone can do it its u! –
anyw you up for valo? just cleaned up my gfs mess and im tired af –
– Don’t be a dumbass, I’m always free for you
I know iknow, ladies, back off, heh –
thanks babes –
:) –